Getting Honest With God: Learn the 4 Practices of LamentSample

Day # 2: Explained Pain

Lament begins with explaining our pain to the Lord. Believers take the time to slow down and describe their suffering to God. Though God is all-knowing and God’s people know he is all-knowing, they still find the need to explain to him both their trouble and how they feel about it. And the Lord does not tune out or cut them off—he listens.

It may feel uncomfortable or unnecessary to describe your experiences and emotions to the Lord. But Jesus has purchased you a friendship with the listening God, who encourages you to explain your pain. Talking to God about your pain won’t necessarily be easy—it first requires that you engage with what’s going on in your soul, which takes courage. Confronting the darkness in you and around you is hard. And you’re surrounded by distractions that disengage you from your heart. But to lament is a bold decision to linger on the difficulties you face. So be brave. Slow down. Seek to understand the brokenness you feel, and express it to God.

Read and reflect on Heman’s prayer in Psalm 88, paying attention to how many aspects of his life are impacted by his suffering. Take note of the descriptive words and symbolic language he uses to explain his pain.

Reflection Questions

Why can it be difficult to explain your pain to God and others?

How does it impact you to know that the Lord invites you to describe your difficulties?

What words or images would you use to explain past and present pain?